Six new books to assist with early childhood curriculum planning.
The All-day Kindergarten and Pre-K Curriculum : A Dynamic-Themes Approach, by Doris Pronim Fromberg. 375.001 FRO
Provides examples of how professional early childhood teachers can organize content-rich classrooms with Activity-Based Learning Environments (ABLE). Dynamic-themes focus on the connection making process of learning, a reflection of how our brains function to create meaning and strengthen memories. Grounded in theory and research, provides an activity-based and classroom proven curriculum for educators to consider as they plan and intereact with pre-k and kindergarten children. Describes a culturally sensitive curriculum in the context of literacy, technology, mathematics, social studies, science, the arts, and play.
Connecting Emergent Curriculum and Standards in the Early Childhood Classroom : strengthening content and teaching practice, by Sydney L. Schwartz and Sherry M. Copeland. 372.19 SCH.
“Two active early childhood educators provide teachers with resources to bring content alive in the daily, action-based pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms, and explore ways to document it. Includes lists of key content ideas- coordinated with learning standards in science, mathematics, social studies, and the communication arts – to guide teacher observations, of, and interactions with, young children. Chapters focus on ways to extend children’s emerging use of content in the block, manipulatives, water and sand, drama, expressive arts, and literacy centers, and link to the development of themes”–cover.
Twelve Best Practices For Early Childhood Education : integrating Reggio and other inspired approaches, by Ann Lewin-Benham. 372.21 LEW.
“Presents 12 best practices inspired not only by Reggio, but also by play-based and Montessori approaches to early childhood education. These practices are demonstrated, one per chapter, with scenarios from classrooms, dialogues of children and teachers, and work samples showing the outcome of using each practice. Used together, the 12 best practices offer a new framework for early education. Written in the accessible style, expands on Lewin-Benham’s earlier works by showing the foundations for teachers to practice the Reggio Approach in their own settings”–cover.
The Problem With Math is English : a language-focused approach to helping all students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics, by Concepcion Molina. 372.7 MOL.
The goal is to raise readers’ mathematics expertise while simultaneously explaining the critical role of language and symbolism in understanding mathematics conceptually. Philosophy in this book is to help teachers understand mathematics at a conceptual level so that they can develop their own activities to deepen students’ learning. Through the process of answering questions and solving problems, readers will enhance their level of pedagogical content knowledge. For Grades 3-9.
Different Speeds and Different Needs : how to teach sports to every kid, by Gary Barber. 796.083 BAR.
For K-12 teachers and coaches a guide to establishing and sustaining inclusive sports programs. Learn how your sports program can include students with a range of special needs : austism spectrum disorders, ADHD and other attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, visual or hearing impairments, learning disabilities, physical challenges, anxiety, stress, and depression, height and weight challenges and more.
Teaching in the Digital Age : Smart Tools for Age 3 to Grade 3, by Brian Puerling. 371.33093 PUE.
A go-to resource for using today’s technology in the classroom. Chapter one emphasizes the importance of goal setting. Chapter two- eight cover seven technologies to support learning, access student knowledge and teacher practice, and exhibit learning. QR codes add videos for further explanations and toolbox tips help faciltiate applications. The seven technologies engage children to create and share ideas: cameras, projectors and document cameras, audio recordings, video conferencing and webcams, publication and presentation tools, videos, multi-touch mobile devices. Strategies reflect Technology in Early Childhood Programs, the joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young children and the Fred Rogers Center.
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